Democratic Comptroller H. Carl McCall is losing ground among New York State likely
voters. Republican Gov. George Pataki now leads McCall 47 - 31 percent, with 18 percent
for Independence Party candidate Thomas Golisano, according to a Quinnipiac University
poll released today. This survey includes those leaning towards a candidate.

In a September 25 survey of likely voters by the independent Quinnipiac University,
Pataki was ahead of McCall 46 - 35 percent with 14 percent for Golisano.

In heavily Democratic New York City, McCall leads Pataki 48 - 38 percent, while
the Republican has commanding leads upstate and in the suburbs.

"How can a Democrat hope to win with such a small lead in overwhelmingly
Democratic New York City? That's what McCall's numbers look like and they don't look
good. McCall is losing ground, with voters shifting to Golisano," said Maurice Carroll,
director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute.

"While Golisano is gaining, it's good news for Pataki. In the last three weeks, the
Republican incumbent has expanded his lead from 11 to 16 points."

Two out of every three likely voters - 66 percent - say they've read or heard
something about McCall writing letters on state stationary for relatives seeking jobs.

Of that group, 22 percent say they are less likely to vote for McCall because of the
issue; 6 percent say they are more likely and 68 percent say it does not influence their vote.

"The 'lettergate' controversy has hurt McCall. Two-thirds of New York voters know
about it and two-thirds of those who know say 'so what?' But McCall is showing a weak
favorability rating and he's losing support," Carroll said.

Pataki has a 50 - 17 percent favorability rating among likely voters, with 29 percent
mixed and 3 percent who don't know enough about him to form an opinion.

McCall has a 30 - 25 percent favorability rating, with 28 percent mixed and 16
percent who haven't heard enough. This is down from a 36 - 9 percent favorability in the
September 25 Quinnipiac University poll.

Golisano has a split 23 - 24 percent favorability, with 26 percent mixed and 24
percent who haven't heard enough to form an opinion.
Comptroller - Attorney General

In their race for State Comptroller, Democrat Alan Hevesi leads Republican John
Faso 44 - 36 percent, compared to Hevesi's 50 - 30 percent lead in the September 26
Quinnipiac University poll.

"The Comptroller's race looked like a Hevesi walk-away. Now, the Democrat is
hearing some footsteps," Carroll said.

From October 8 - 14, Quinnipiac University surveyed 621 New York State likely
voters with a margin of error of +/- 3.9 percent.

The Quinnipiac University Poll, directed by Douglas Schwartz, Ph.D., conducts
public opinion surveys in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and nationwide
as a public service and for research.

7. (If Golisano voter) What if Thomas Golisano were not running? If the election
for Governor were being held today, and the candidates were H. Carl McCall the
Democrat and George Pataki the Republican for whom would you vote?

Golisano
Voters

McCall 33%
Pataki 46

SMONE ELSE(VOL) 1
WLDN'T VOTE(VOL) 3
DK/NA 17

8. Have you heard or read anything about McCall writing letters on state
stationary on behalf of relatives seeking jobs?

9. (If 'yes' q8) How will this influence your vote for governor this year? Will
it make you more likely to vote for McCall, less likely to vote for McCall, or
won't it have much effect one way or the other?